Your arrival in the UK will be easier if you arrange accommodation in advance. CampusUK staffs both in UK and Chennai help students in arranging a suitable and convenient accommodation

HALLS OF RESIDENCE

Many universities and colleges guarantee accommodation for first year.

Halls are great for four reasons:

You don't have to go househunting
You stand a good chance of meeting lots of new people
Most halls offer a good standard of security
Situated close to or within the campus

Many halls provide you a bed, a desk, a desk chair, an easy chair, a wardrobe, carpets, curtains, bookshelves and a washbasin. An electric socket may also be provided for the use of computer, printer, television, desktop lamp, stereo. Many also give a refrigerator and a telephone connection - capable of receiving and making internal, national and international calls.

There are two types of halls Catered and Self-catered

Catered halls usually serve breakfast and dinner during weekdays and three meals a day during weekends. In some places, access to kitchen is allowed to prepare hot drinks and snacks. The catered halls would cost 55 GBP - 80 GBP per week.

Self-catered halls, you have to cook your own food. Many provide you crockery and cutlery or arrange for the same at a reasonable price. The catered halls would cost 50 GBP - 70 GBP per week.

During Vacations: For international students who cannot go home during vacations like Christmas and Easter, accommodation may still be available. Extra charge may be made, although some offer it free of charge.

LIVING OUT

Most universities and colleges provide special services to help students find somewhere to live. Speak to your accommodation office.

When to start looking

If you are living out as a first year, you should start househunting immediately after you get your firm offer i.e.: August

If you're in halls and you plan to live out next year, you should start looking in the February or March before. Some people will start looking pre-Christmas, but in most places (other than London) all this does is ensure you're paying a retainer for a lot longer than you need to be.

What to consider

You need to consider four things before even getting inside a house:

Type of accommodation
Location
How much you can afford
Housemates
What does the cost involve

TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION

Shared houses or flats: the vast majority of students go for this option. You rent a room in the house then share the kitchen, bathroom, lounge and toilet with your housemates. Cost: 50 GBP to 80 GBP per week

Self-contained flats: none of the amenities are shared, making this ideal accommodation for small families, couples or people who like their own space. A flat should have one or two bedrooms and its own bathroom, toilet and kitchen. Cost: 100 - 200+ GBP per week

Bedsits: Essentially a bedroom with a small kitchen and separate washing facility. Bathrooms and toilets are shared with other residents. Cost: 50 GBP to 8 0 GBP per week

Lodging: living in a house, usually with the owner. The "homestay" can be a great way for international students to experience British life and hone their language skills. Be warned that house rules and provision of meals can vary drastically. Cost: 50 GBP to 75 GBP per week

LOCATION

Proximity: being close to Institution and your place of work. But it's also important to consider quality of life. Is it persistently noisy? Would you feel safe walking around here late at night?

Public transport: don't get stranded in no-man's land. Choose a place near a bus or train stop and make sure you don't need to make many changes to get home. If you've got a car, look for off-street parking nearby.

Food and facilities: look for a place near a supermarket, laundrette or any other services or facilities that are essential to you.

HOUSEMATES

Sharing with a group of friends is by far the cheapest and easiest way to find somewhere to live. The downside is that you have to search as a group. Get organised early and make sure everyone shares the cost and responsibilities.

The majority of student houses have between three and six bedrooms. If your group is larger than this, consider splitting it and finding houses near each other.

Where to look

Word of mouth: a huge number of student houses are found by word of mouth, or "handed down" from one group to another.

Accommodation service: use your university or college accommodation service.

Notice boards: check notice boards in your faculty, library, halls and student union.

Local press: check the "to let" section of your local shops. Some cities have publications dedicated to shifting property

Websites:

www.bunk.com
www.studentaccommodation.org
www.student-accom.com
www.studentpad.co.uk